The Gym provides a place for training

Strength training has always been important to Thomas Berkery.

Whether it’s personally trying to stay in shape or helping his players as the baseball coach at Starkville Academy, Berkery wanted there to be a place available to work out.

That place for Berkery was Snap Fitness, but it closed earlier this year. It left a void for Berkery and former Major League Baseball player Roy Oswalt.

Berkery and Oswalt decided to join together and create a new place simply called The Gym.

When

the

restrictions caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic let up, Berkery looks forward to opening his new place to the public.

“We just decided to go for it,” Berkery said. “We’ve been set up in this scenario for about a month now and we’re waiting for things to be released and get going. Whenever they decide to let us out, we’ll be good to go.

“I’ve always had a passion about being in shape and getting as strong as you can be. This kind of fell into my lap and something I think I will enjoy it.”

The Gym is equipped with all of the machines needed to get the complete workout. There is everything from elliptical, bikes, stair-steppers, treadmills, free weights and other equipment.

Berkery said there is even room in the back for Olympic lifts.

“If there is a workout you wanted or a machine you wanted, we have one,” Berkery said. “Knowing people in town and having an idea what they are looking for, we wanted to provide that for them. We want it to be the people’s gym. People are invested and feel like it’s their place. I want it to be something where they can come in relax and take pride in their facilities.”

The Gym is located in the Village Crossing Shopping Center off Highway 12 in Starkville.